abreaction
noun
ab·re·ac·tion ˌa-brē-ˈak-shən 
: the expression and emotional discharge of unconscious material (such as a repressed idea or emotion) by verbalization especially in the presence of a therapist
abreact
ˌa-brē-ˈakt
verb 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web All must be resolved now by collective abreaction, whereby literary critics will be the handmaidens of a sort of universal truth-and-reconciliation event: cathartic Rapture. 
Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021
Will Self, Harper's Magazine, 23 Nov. 2021 Word History
Etymology
partial translation of German Abreagieren, noun use of abreagieren "to release or express (an emotion previously repressed or forgotten)," from ab "down, from" (going back to Old High German aba) + reagieren "to react," borrowed from French réagir, borrowed (with adaptation to agir "to act, take effect") from New Latin reagere — more at of entry 1, react
First Known Use
1912, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
abreaction
noun
ab·re·ac·tion ˌab-rē-ˈak-shən
: the expression and emotional discharge of unconscious material (as a repressed idea or emotion) by verbalization especially in the presence of a therapist compare catharsis sense 2